How ‘Sweet’ It Is: Women Honored at Saks’ Valentine’s Tea

How ‘Sweet’ It Is: Women Honored at Saks’ Valentine’s Tea

Christine Johnson and Jody Merritt

A LOVELY AND truly heart-felt tradition continued, when Saks Fifth Avenue and its 5115 restaurant hosted the 14th annual Houston Sweethearts tea.


“Creators Anne Carl, Deborah Duncan, Sylvia Forsythe, Kim Moody, Warner Roberts and Alicia Smith welcomed over 100 guests,” said a rep for the event’s organizers, noting that the function is held each year around Valentine’s Day “simply to tell each other that they are loved and appreciated for all the time, energy, creativity and heart-felt love they give in service to the community.”

This year’s Sweethearts honorees include Lesha Elsenbrook, Tena Faust, Marilu Garza, Tama Lundquist, Elizabeth Stein and Heidi Turney. Other VIP guests included Sidney Faust, Phoebe Tudor, Hallie Vanderhider, Bobby Dees, Brigitte Kalai, Beth Wolff, Cheryl Byington, Leisa Holland-Nelson Bowman, Ellie Francisco, Kim Padgett, Sherri Zucker, Brittany Zucker, Kirk Kveton and Anna Dean.

The annual tea raises awareness for the Mission of Yahweh, a shelter for homeless women and children.

Tena Faust

Brigitte Kalai, Anne Carl and Alicia Smith

Sandra Porter, Marilu Garza, Leila Perrin and Charity Yarborough Cox

Heidi Rockecharlie and Alice Mao Brams

Deborah Duncan and Beth Wolff

Party People
Fall Philanthropy Report: Be An Angel Improves Quality of Life for Children with Special Needs

What year was your organization launched? 1986 by a small group of committee community members that believed special needs children were not receiving basic life services.

Keep Reading Show less

Palmaïa The House of AïA

THIS SUMMER, LEBRINA Jackson, owner of Escape Spa in Cypress, is taking her wisdom and joie de wellness to the jungle. Far beyond the walls of her beautiful spa, she’s aiming to create a quiet space for people to work on their personal growth in a community-centric atmosphere. She shares what participants will get out of the trip and why it’s important to take time for self-care in 2025.

Why is it important for people to “retreat”? Life can feel like a non-stop marathon, and sometimes we forget to just... breathe. Retreating offers a chance to step off the treadmill for a bit and hit the reset button. It's about giving your body and mind some much-needed TLC, allowing for genuine relaxation and rejuvenation. Beyond the personal perks, retreats often create a cool sense of community, connecting you with others on a similar path. By carving out space for self-reflection, you can recharge and return to your daily life with a clearer head and a bit more pep in your step.

Keep Reading Show less
Wellness+Giving Back

Brian Crawmer, Sarah Crawmer, Marilyn, and David Guion

VITA LIVING WELCOMED over 300 guests to its annual Pearls of Wisdom Fiesta at the River Oaks Country Club. This year’s dinner — themed Una Notte Italianaraised more than $207,000 in support of lifelong care for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties